.380 SD Ammo - FMJ or Hollow Point?

This is a discussion on .380 SD Ammo - FMJ or Hollow Point? within the Defensive Ammunition & Ballistics forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; I'm curious for those who carry .380 pistols which type of ammo they use, FMJ or Hollow Point? I'm not concerned about the brand of ...

While I have never ran my own penetration tests, I have read enough articles on testing the Corbon DPX to convince me that it is the way to go in a .380. I used those when I carried my Walther PPK/s or my Kel Tec P3AT. While penetration is important, I still believe that the jhps will give you a better chance of stopping someone over fmjs. Now in .32 and below, I believe fmjs are the way to go as the little jhps rarely if ever open up, so you might as well go with the superior penetration of the fmjs. Hence, that is also why I have a slight preference for the .380 over the .32.

I regularly carry a P3AT, and have studied all the test data I could find on the internet. I’ve also done my own less formal testing.

I used to favor flat-pointed FMJs, but now carry good, modern JHPs with 1000fps of MV. Normally, expansion is violent, to .50” or better, and penetration is nearly equal to most .38 JHPs through water jugs. This includes the ‘4 layers of denim’ test. Worst case: the cavity of the hollow-point becomes completely clogged by barrier material or heavy clothing, and my JHPs perform just like an FMJ.

.380Auto muzzle velocity isn't anything to spectacular......especially with a Semi-Auto (SC frame) 3" barrel, and ANY expansion with a JHP for maximum damage in a defensive situation I feel is better than none at all.

But one could argue that Hydra-Shok's 'Low Recoil" rounds equals: "Low Velocity" as well.

Bottom line:keep shooting till the threat is neutralized.....It all comes down to accuracy with shot placement, and eventually amt of blood lost.